36 minute read
Community Happenings
The Jewish Home | JANUARY 5, 2023 Around the Community
Chagigat Siddur at Shulamith
Avery special simcha took place in the Shulamith auditorium on
Sunday, January 1, as the Shulamith first graders received their first siddurim!
In the weeks before the event, Morah Rena taught the girls the songs and accompanying choreography, while Morah Hoffman and Morah Freund, along with their assistants, practiced with the girls and taught them their parts. Parents and grandparents were delighted by the presentations, which featured Shabbat-themed songs such as “Shalom Aleichem” and “Lecha Dodi.” The girls performed in pairs and impressed everyone with their beautiful singing and exceptional choreography. Mrs. Elka Ginspag, principal, addressed the audience, speaking about the importance of transmitting our mesorah to the next generation. As each talmidah was called to the stage to receive her siddur, the pride, confidence and absolute joy of our banot lit up the auditorium!
At the end of the event, each girl received a swag bag with a framed photograph and a scrumptious cookie! Mazal tov to all the Shulamith families on this milestone.
Achieve 3000 at YOSS New Bright Futures Program is a Valuable Resource for Parents
Several YOSS Mechina Students have already received high honors this year in Achieve 3000, a worldwide ELA program that focuses on reading and comprehension. Students are tasked to read weekly articles and complete quizzes and activities. Although two weekly articles are required, the more articles completed, the more points a student can receive. YOSS students in Mrs. Krinsky’s ELA classes have reached the top leaderboard in both daily scoring statewide, as well as weekly scoring worldwide! Keep up the great work! B right Futures is a new, local agency that provides HCBS services to children. Children qualify if they have Medicaid and struggle with ADHD or anxiety or a similar issue. HCBS stands for “Home and Community Based Services.” The goal of the program is to support children and their caregivers by addressing their needs related to their challenges and pursuing goals that will help the child flourish.
Those goals are met in two ways. First, Bright Futures helps eligible children enroll in a Health Home program. This means a dedicated Care Manager is assigned who helps the child and caregiver to evaluate and address the child’s specific needs.
Then, based on the child’s needs, the child is approved for services to help further their goals. These services can include respite, after-school programs, parent support, one-on-one help, and much more.
Bright Futures has also partnered with existing community after-school programs like Warren Levi Karate, Spring Gymnastics, Spadida, and 5TLL little league.
Bright Futures has an office on Central Avenue in the Five Towns and serves families in the Five Towns, Far Rockaway, Queens and Flatbush.
Bright Futures has a dedicated team working to help parents with every step of the process. Mrs. Rivka Putter is the Director of Health Home. Mrs. Chaya Unsdorfer is the Director of HCBS services. Mrs. Yehudit Adress is the Intake Coordinator. Our mission is to support parents and children and to enable the child to thrive at home and in the community. Does this program sound like a fit for your child or a child you know? Do you work with children and want to learn more about the program to refer families? Are you looking for part-time work and have a passion for working with children? Contact the friendly team at Bright Futures by emailing info@ brightfuturesny.com or call/text 347970-9531.
Chanukah in MTA was epic! With incredible programing throughout the week, the talmidim and faculty enjoyed the festive atmosphere and took chizuk from a beautiful yom tov. On Monday, talmidim and faculty showed up in their best Chanukah sweaters for a contest to see who wore their sweaters best and enjoyed delicious sufganiyot. On Tuesday, the ninth grade enjoyed the annual Freshman Frenzy, a chance to relax and play some sports with friends and rebbeim. Tuesday also saw shiurim enjoying lunch together catered by Carlos & Gabby’s. Some shiurim took their lunch on the road and visited some of the fine dining establishments around Manhattan. On Wednesday morning, the whole yeshiva enjoyed a bagel breakfast, and after shiur there was a lineup and latkes, another opportunity to enjoy quality time with friends and rebbeim and fulfill the custom of eating fried foods. The grand finale came on Thursday when the yeshiva enjoyed a leibidig chagigah with Yossi Newman. The dancing was exuberant and the refreshments delicious, and at the end of the festivities, every talmid walked away with a new piece of MTA apparel, a little Chanukah gift from MTA.
The children at Lev Chana worked together to create one very colorful agalah, wagon, which they filled with beautifully illustrated pictures of food for Parshas Vayigash
YCQ Students Give Back
Yeshiva of Central Queens (YCQ) students had the opportunity to spend the fourth day of Chanukah giving back to the community and doing hesed. While for many, Chanukah can often be a time of taking – receiving presents, eating doughnuts, grabbing all the gelt – YCQ students gave their time and effort to help bring joy to others.
The sixth grade girls visited Boulevard ALP, a local Assisted Living facility. They sang songs and played Chanukah Bingo with the residents, who were extremely appreciative of their visit.
The sixth grade boys split up to assist Tomchei Shabbos of Queens and Masbia, two organizations who provide food for those in need. Students packed boxes of Shabbat food for Tomchei Shabbos, while those who went to Masbia helped prepare ingredients and peel vegetables for their soup kitchen.
A special “getting to know you” game of dreidel was played at one of Ohel’s facilities, where the seventh grade boys had the pleasure of visiting. Each spin corresponds to a different question. This helped the students and residents become quickly acquainted. They also enjoyed a game of Chanukah Bingo together. The seventh grade girls divided and conquered. Some helped prepare food at Masbia, while the other class sorted and packed toys for sick children at a Chai Lifeline warehouse.
The eighth grade girls helped sort materials, too. However, instead of toys, they organized donated clothing at Bobbie’s Place. The eighth grade boys will have opportunities in the future to do chesed. They spent the day strengthening their relationship outside of the classroom with students from the SINAI School at YCQ.
Last but not least, the fifth grade was also involved in the Chesed Day activities. As part of a lesson in budgeting, students collected money and then went to Amazing Savings to purchase toys for children being helped by Chai Lifeline.
“I am very proud of all our students. After a full week of Chanukah fun and entertainment, our students put their energy into giving back to the community,” remarked Mr. Jacob Grossman, director of Junior High School Student Life and Activities and organizer of the trips.
YOSS Chevra Mishnayos celebrated the learning of more than 1,600 Mishnayos since Sukkos! Fifty-five eighth graders learn and review Mishnayos every day during their free time, culminating in this milestone.
Chanukah at Torah L’Kulanu
It was a festive week in Torah L’Kulanu where we experienced Chanukah through many events and activities. On Tuesday, we conducted a Chanukah Olympics/color war featuring our two teams: the Chashmonaim (team blue) and the Macabees (team red). Students engaged in competition games including a basketball shoot out from different points of the court and a cook-off. On Wednesday morning, we hosted Rabbi Moish Steinberg and the 5th grade students from HALB for a Chanukah chagigah and assembly. Both Kulanu and HALB students danced together to live music, played by Zvi Lampert, and played dreidel and bingo games while enjoying Chanukah delicacies. On Thursday, we welcomed a class from HAFTR High School for a reverse inclusion minyan. Both Kulanu students and HAFTR students davened together which included the singing of Hallel. Following davening, the students enjoyed a special breakfast along with dancing to festive Chanukah songs. Later on Thursday, we hosted Meish Goldish, a musician and children’s author who has written hundreds of children’s books. Meish played Chanukah songs on his guitar, showed magic tricks, and told over some of his best Chanukah riddles.
Throughout the week, classes also participated in various activities including menorah and dreidel decorating, latke and cookie making as well as candle making. At the end of each day of Chanukah, we conducted a Chanukah lighting ceremony where students gathered around to light the Chanukah candles and sing Maoz Tzur.
We look forward to many more exciting and meaningful events ahead at Torah L’Kulanu!
Grandparents, Chanukah, and Color War at Central
December has been an exciting, inspiring time at Central: preparations for midterms have been accompanied by the fun and excitement of holiday programming. The week of celebrations began on Monday, December 19 as Central grandparents, as well as a few enthusiastic parents, arrived at school in droves, greeted by faculty members and staff. Central has a long history of celebrating and paying tribute to intergenerational family relationships, and, in particular, the significant, special bond that exists between grandparents and grandchildren, a loving, supportive tie between the past and the present that contributes immeasurably to a student’s education. The morning included coffee, breakfast, and a special Chanukah Shiur with Rabbi Joshua Goller, followed by a full roster of classes ranging from Literature of the Prophets to Algebra to Honors Physics.
“I had eighteen grandparents!” reflected Mrs. Ruth Fried, whose 9th grade Biology class hosted visitors for a lesson on the digestive system. “It was so wonderful to meet the grandparents, and to see the excitement on their granddaughters’ faces.”
The morning ended with a rousing game of Chanukah Bingo, finishing off a day students will remember for years to come.
The week continued with a Chanukah Appreciation Mesibah on Tuesday the 20th, thanking Central’s faculty and staff for a semester of work, care, and diligence and giving the teachers a chance to relax and enjoy a holiday lunch. But before the lunch, a bombastic announcement during that morning’s chagigah – Wednesday and Thursday would be Central’s annual Color War! Color War 5783 paid tribute to the holiday season with the theme “Light Up the Nights,” and a challenge to students to contemplate the concept of light, both during the holiday season and in their everyday lives. Students made a quick pivot from their best Chanukah gear to their grade team colors. The two days before the Chanukah break was a mad dash for the finish line. Competitions included highly-anticipated Chidon rounds, the Million-Shekel Pyramid, a “Shark Tank”-themed idea competition for the proposal that would bring about the most kavod in the Central community, a music video competition, a banner contest, and a grade cheer. For the freshmen, it was an exciting introduction to an annual event that many Central students consider to be defining. For seniors, it was a bittersweet, emotional experience – the last Color War, a milestone in a year filled with milestones.
Ultimately, the class of 2024, guided by junior team leaders Leora Strauss, Shira Rouhani, and Laura Nagler, won the day.
“Color War was such an amazing experience,” Leora said. “Our entire grade came together in unity and excitement. The most fun part of Color War was partaking in the amazing activities with my friends and making memories that will last a lifetime!”
Combining their knowledge of social studies with a little creativity and artistic skill, the boys of 5G at YOSS completed maps of the Thirteen Colonies highlighting the resources of each region.
Yom Iyun At SKA: Career Day
SKA’s Career Day program was an exciting opportunity for the students of the Stella K. Abraham High School to begin thinking about their expanding career choices. On Monday, January 2, over 60 observant professional women joined the event to showcase their fields and encourage our students to follow their passions.
The program’s keynote speaker, Mrs. Avital Chizhik-Goldsmidt, is a noted journalist whose work has appeared in The Atlantic, New York Times, The New Republic and many other publications. In addition to being an adjunct at Columbia University School of Journalism, she is also the rebbetzin of the Altneu Shul in New York City. She shared her fascinating personal story with the entire student body, explaining how she began writing at a young age, always pursuing her dreams throughout the years. Her messages really resonated with the students who are now beginning to think about their future.
SKA students were also able to hear from the highly successful women professionals, many of them SKA graduates, from such fields as finance, law, medicine, science, real estate, engineering, architecture, education, communal leadership, technology, and design. The women discussed their challenges and accomplishments with the girls, who appreciated hearing about the many options available. It’s never too early to think about a future career, the SKA students learned, and many presenters suggested the girls think about building their skills and leadership roles while still in high school.
In addition to the careers presented, the students heard from Mrs.Tami Radinsky, Audit Partner at Grant Thornton, and Mrs. Dana Frenkel, Managing Partner at JP Morgan, who spoke about the importance of first impressions. Rabbi Isaac Rice, Head of SKA’s Torah S’Baal Peh Department, and Rabbi Shalom Axelrod, rabbi of the Young Israel of Woodmere, discussed practical applications of business and halacha.
The morning was filled with enthusiasm and energy! SKA’s Career Day really broadened our students’ professional aspirations.
The Jewish Home | JANUARY 5, 2023 Cremation: Who Would Have Thought?
Dear Friends,
I am writing you today to discuss an uncomfortable yet unavoidable topic.
The topic, in a word, is death.
Or, to be more precise, burial.
I realize that for most of you, the words death and Kevura are inseparably linked.
After all, what else could follow the death of a Jew than burial?
Does the need to emphasize the imperative of Jewish burial even exist?
Unfortunately, there is not just a need to speak about the necessity for a Jewish burial, there is an outright immediate and pressing obligation to do so, for all of us.
We go to the ends of the earth to reach all the forsaken Jews who have fallen prey to the acculturating and assimilating forces of secular society. Yet, there is one need in our community that does not receive the attention it should. Too few of us know about the widespread plague wreaking spiritual havoc among our brothers and sisters.
The curse of cremation is now a plague and scourge, horrifically invading our Jewish community. Who could have believed that we, who lived with those who survived the crematoriums of Auschwitz, would be forced to witness the descendants of those holy survivors willingly choose to be cremated?
Every sixteen minutes, another Jew in this country is incinerated by choice. How can we stand by and allow this to occur? Why are so many Jews opting to incinerate themselves? The only answer is ignorance. Ignorance on the part of our non-observant and uneducated brethren, and ignorance among us.
Among the non-observant, there is a false belief that cremation is environmentally preferable. Secular culture promotes cremation as cleaner, easier, less burdensome, and progressive. These misleading ideas about the advantages of cremation have tragically gained traction, and thousands of our fellow Jews are now opting for cremation.
We must convey to our brethren that burial has and will remain the only Jewish way of dealing with the deceased.
Recently, a man came to me to inform me that his mother, as she was dying, told him that she had already arranged a pre-paid cremation. Her frum son was shocked. The woman who his children lovingly referred to as Bubby would be reduced to ashes stored in an urn?
He went back to his mother’s sickbed. Alas, it was too late. She was set in her decision.
When he asked her why, she offered a potpourri of fallacious and unfounded reasons.
“It’s better for the environment,” she said. And, “I’m afraid I would feel claustrophobic.” Unfortunately, she had legally appointed a legal executor, and her son had no ground to stand on. Things might have ended differently if he had had the conversation sooner. When his beloved mother passed away, there was no funeral, no kever to visit; all there was were ashes.
However, it didn’t have to end this way. All it takes is our willingness to be informed and to have an uncomfortable conversation before it is too late.
A few years ago, a non-observant woman named Sarah was in shul. It was Parshas Chayei Sarah.
I mentioned how according to Rabbeinu Yonah, the tenth and most difficult test for Avrohom was finding a burial plot for his wife, Sarah. I used that as a springboard to discuss the necessity of having that uncomfortable conversation about burial with one’s loved ones well before it’s actually needed.
I spoke about NASCK and the importance of communication before the time when death is imminent.
Years later, I received a phone call from Sarah. She asked me to officiate at the funeral of her recently departed mother. I asked what made her choose me to officiate at the levaya. She explained that she always remembered my talk about Avrohom and the test he had in burying Sarah. She decided to have an uncomfortable conversation with her mother. She knew her mother was planning to be cremated. She reminded her mother of the yearly trips taken as a child to the grave of her mother’s grandparents, and how meaningful those visits were.
One day, her mother called her and announced she wanted Kevuras Yisroel. The mother explained that she had just attended the cremation of an old friend of hers. When she noticed a sign that read, “We are proud to offer families the opportunity to witness their loved one’s cremation,” she was horrified.
The thought of being proud to witness cremation repulsed her and triggered a forty-year-old memory. She recalled her mother’s funeral, where the Chevra Kadisha lovingly and gently laid her mother to rest in her grave. She then realized that a Jewish burial was her only option.
Sarah said, “Rabbi, I was totally ignorant of the importance of a Jewish burial. Thank you for making me aware and encouraging me to talk with my mother when I did.”
I need you, the frum, Orthodox Jewish world, who would drop everything to help a Jew connect with his or her Jewish birthright. I am imploring you now to help your fellow Jews connect with their “afterlife right.” The statistics have reached crisis level. Projections from the Cremation Association of North America forecast a cremation rate of 59.4% in 2023. Every 16 minutes in the U.S., another Jew is cremated.
Therefore, I need you, and all secular Jews in America need you.
What can you do?
First, wake up and realize the gravity and extent of the problem. Familiarize yourself with the horrific reality that 30,000 Jews per year are being cremated in this country. Arm yourself with information from NASCK, or better yet, join a NASCK workshop and learn how to prevent a cremation.
The second part of my request is the most crucial.
I ask you to leave your comfort zone and approach your fellow Jew. I know the conversation I am asking you to have is uncomfortable and awkward. It will require thought and time, and may take more than one conversation. However, if we truly believe all of Klal Yisroel’s neshamos are one, how can we not be concerned with the pain of that neshama?
The goal is to reach out to any Jew who may not be planning a Jewish burial. This conversation must be had with all Jews who come into our orbit. We must impress upon them that they deserve, and their neshamos deserve, a Jewish burial.
Rav Soloveitchik would visit his wife’s grave every Friday after she passed away in 1967. This was the only solace he had. As he so poignantly said, “The longing for one who has died and is gone forever is worse than death.” We must convey to our fellow Jews that they are denying their loved ones the solace one receives by being able to visit their grave.
The task in front of us is formidable.
Rav Noach Weinberg, zt”l, would motivate us to reach out to our fellow Jews by saying, “The train is leaving for Auschwitz. What are we going to do about it?”
In our times, the train is heading straight toward the crematorium filled with our brothers and sisters.
The question we must ask ourselves is, what will we do to halt that train?
The choice is in our hands.
“If Not Now, Then When?”-Hillel
Ron Yitzchok Eisenman
Rav
Congregation Ahavas Israel
Passaic, NJ
Around the Community BYAM Students Hone Their Kriya Skills
Decoding and fluency in reading is more easily acquired when children understand what they are reading and when they find it interesting. Since Hebrew is our children’s second language, Bais Yaakov Ateres Miriam realizes that by giving their students Hebrew books with enjoyable content to read, they will be able to surge forward in their kriya decoding and fluency skills, as well as gain a greater understanding of the Hebrew language.
To reach this goal, students at Bais Yaakov Ateres Miriam are reading new decodable leveled readers individually, working with kriah manipulatives, and reading in small, leveled groups to read high interest stories. This allows the girls to acquire language and grammar exposure in a fun, stress free environment as well as allowing teachers to differentiate kriah instruction as needed.
Bais Yaakov Ateres Miriam’s data on this has shown that the girls’ kriya fluency has increased as well as their interest in and knowledge of Hebrew. Rabbi AvrohomBerenstein, theKriah specialist at YOSS, is also a certified shatnez checker and currently runs the Bayswater Shatnez Laboratory. Rabbi Rosenwasser’s eighth grade learned about shatnez in Chumash shiur. Recently, Rabbi Berenstein gave a handson, interactive shatnez presentation. It covered the halachos and practical applications of shatnez. The talmidim learned about the numerous procedures in wool and linen thread manufacturing, and garment construction. They witnessed a suit, pants, tie, even Uggs boots being checked for shatnez. They then worked in groups to dissect different threads into fibers and used microscopes to identify the various fibers, based on Rabbi Berenstein’s presentation. The talmidim experienced the fusion of modern-day science and the practical halacha.
Did you know? In many places, January 1 is also known as “Polar Bear Plunge Day.”
The Jewish Home | JANUARY 5, 2023 Chanukah Lasted All Month Long In Jamaica Estates
Frindle at Cahal
Chanukah came early in Queens as the Young Israel of Jamaica Estates celebrated all Kislev long! The festivities kicked off with YIJE’smonthly Family Mitzvah Morning. Parents and children came together in the spirit of Chanukah to create gift bags and Chanukah decorations for the residents at the Margaret Teitz Rehabilitation Center! The program was sponsored by Tammy and Hillel Bryk. The YIJE Sisterhood eagerly hosted its annual Friday Night Pre-Chanukah Shabbat Dinner after a two-year Covid hiatus. YIJE families came together for a lavish dinner. While Mara D’atra Rabbi Dr. Dov Lerner delivered an inspirational Chanukah message to the adults, fun and games for the children were led by YIJE Youth Director Jacob Herskowitz and the Youth Department staff. The highlight of the evening was the parent/child sufganiyot eating contest...if only there were pictures!
The children of Jamaica Estates came together for more fun and games at the Youth Department’s Annual Chanukah Blast Chagiga. The kids danced to Chanukah tunes, created Chanukah decorations to take home, participated in a creative game show called Nes or No-Nes led by Jacob Herskowitz and Rabbi Lerner, and everyone worked together to build a giant Lego Chanukiaunder the direction of Aryeh Rozic. Of course, no party would not be complete without pizza, chocolate gelt, and sufganiyot!
To participate, sponsor or get more information about ongoing YIJE programming for children and adults please email office@yije.org or visit yije.org.
While reading the book “Frindle,” Mrs. Shoshana Ayzin’s 4th-5th grade CAHAL class at Shulamith learned about the origins of words. The main character in the book decided to call a pen a “frindle” and was able to entice everyone he knew to shift to this new word. The students discussed how advertising is a form of persuasive writing and slogans can engage and interest the customer.
After finishing the book, Mrs. Ayzin gave each student in her class their own “frindle” with their names on it for Chanukah. As a culminating activity, the students worked in groups to invent a new word for an everyday object and wrote advertisements for it.
Flame Comes To Shevach
On Tuesday, December 20, for its annual Chanukah Chagiga, Shevach High School was transformed into “Flame” (or was that Fame?), an upscale clothing store. The Shevach chagigah heads, Tehilla Aranov, Gitty Hellman, Devora Trop and Sarah Wiederkehr, under the direction of Shevach Educational Administrator, Mrs. Devorah Kovitz, did an amazing job turning the multi-purpose room into a stunning boutique. While browsing around, the students were treated to a delectable feast featuring donuts, latkes, candy, and personalized flame cookies.
After warm opening words by Shevach Menaheles, Mrs. Shulamith Insel, the girls heard a meaningful d’var Torah delivered by Shevach Associate Principal, Mrs. Miriam Krohn, who spoke about the message of the dreidel. Mrs. Krohn vividly portrayed how the dreidel represents all the exiles of the Jewish people throughout time. The “dreidel” falls but will surely be picked up at the time of the future redemption. That is why the numerical value of the letters on the dreidel is the same as Moshiach – 358.
The students were then treated to a special activity. The “fame”ous Faigy Wasserman, who on previous occasions has come to Shevach, wowed them once again, this time featuring her latest tap shoes. The girls danced up a storm while clicking away in their taps. The singing and dancing definitely put everyone into the Chanukah spirit and a great time was had by all.
Yet the best was yet to come, as all the girls were entered into a raffle to win a gift card to the Fame clothing store on Central Ave. Congratulations to the winner, Shevach junior Shifra Tchatchanachvili!
In the words of the Shevach students, “I think this was one of the ‘funnest’ activities I ever did.” “That was amazing! The decor, the food the dancing...”
These were just two of the many positive reviews given. All agreed that the Shevach Chanukah Chagiga 5783 was not only inspiring but also exciting and impactful.
Students in Rabbi Schulman’s class at YOSS Mechina built race cars powered by balloons to learn about potential and kinetic energy
Sushi with Seniors at Ezra
The principal at Ezra Academy Ms. Sima Fish-Berezovsky, Esq. has started a new initiative this year. She has begun having lunch with individual seniors or small groups of 12th grade students. The plan was to spend even more quality time with the older students as they are preparing to make incredibly difficult and significant life decisions and to hear the different ideas that the seniors have regarding a gap year in Israel, college, potential careers, marriage, etc… It was meant to lend support, an open ear, a trusted heart and some adult insight to wonderful kids making hard choices. As a warm, family-oriented school, that is demanding more and more from their students academically, the decisions they are facing are real as they contemplate which colleges to attend, which scholarships to accept, and how to convince parents to allow a gap year (when the community they come from is less excited about the opportunity).
Ms. Fish looks forward to the lunchtime schmoozes where the seniors are treated to sushi and Ms. Fish is treated to the deep insightful thinking of her beloved students. It has been an inspiring initiative for the administration and meaningful for the 12th grade. So inspiring, in fact, that when lower classmen heard lunchtime appointments being made through the administrative assistant in the office, they asked for the same opportunity. Now, the lunchtime schmooze initiative is growing to include other grades, where students are openly discussing important ideas with the principal, but rest assured, the seniors maintain an element of senior privilege in the program because sushi deliveries are for seniors only.
The children at Gan Chamesh had an illuminating experience on Chanukah, as they explored a creative light museum and immersed themselves in unique and innovative light-based activities.
An Important Milestone
Mazal tov to Gesher’s first grade class on receiving their siddurim this week! This milestone was a culmination of learning about the gift of tefillah through the “Ani Tefillah” program. The children have been learning about the meaning of tefillah in order to gain a strong connection to the words they are saying. They have been working so hard to strengthen their kriah skills and can now open a siddur and daven effectively. Mazal tov to all the grandparents, parents, and children on this momentous occasion!
With school closed, over 30 children spend the week at The Special Children’s Center of Five Towns Legal Holiday Program, filling their days with friendships and joy
Living with Appreciation
On Sunday night, January 1, a packed crowd filled the White Shul for a night of inspiration. Living L’Chaim and Asher to the Yatzar teamed up to produce the event titled “Living with Appreciation.”
The attendees were captivated by the talented guest speaker Rabbi Joey Haber of Brooklyn.
Yossi Hecht, founder of Asher to the Yatzar, delivered opening remarks and Mara D’asra Rabbi Eytan Feiner shared divrei bracha. Additionally, all had the opportunity to hear from our very own Dr. Hylton Lightman about appreciating our bodily functions.
At the conclusion of the event, many purchased the newly released Asher Yatzar Sefer. It was a great zechus to have in attendance the author, Rabbi Moishe Dov Lebovits.
Lastly, a special thank you goes to Chazaq and Torah Anytime for arranging a livestream for those who could not make it.
Netzach Annual Shalsheles Breakfast
On Sunday, January 1, the rebbeim, talmidim, fathers and grandfathers of Netzach gathered for the annual Shalsheles Breakfast at the Mesivta. Following davening, everyone enjoyed a delicious catered breakfast and buffet, following which the talmidim joined their fathers and grandfathers for learning in the Beis Medrash. After receiving maareh mekomos on a sugya related to tefillah and “Hamadah l’fnei HaMelech,” spirited learning began in the Beis Medrash with the sounds of Torah packing the room.
Following the learning b’chavrusah, Rabbi Yoni Mittledorf, Sgan Menahel and ninth grade rebbe, gave an in-depth shiur followed by a Q&A afterwards.
Netzach thanks the sponsors of the event and the rebbeim and admin staff for their efforts in putting together this beautiful event.
The Jewish Home | JANUARY 5, 2023 Will The Coming Wealth Transfer Be a Benefit or a Detriment to Your Family?
By Monet Binder, Esq.
Whether it’s called “The Great Wealth Transfer,” “The Silver Tsunami,” or some other catchy sounding name, it’s a fact that a tremendous amount of wealth will pass from Baby Boomers to younger generations in the next few decades. In fact, it’s said to be the largest transfer of intergenerational wealth in history.
Because no one knows exactly how long aging Boomers will live or how much money they’ll spend before they pass on, it’s impossible to accurately predict just how much wealth will be transferred. However, studies suggest it’s somewhere between $30 and $90 trillion.
A Benefit or Detriment? There is much talk about the many benefits the wealth transfer might have for younger generations and the economy, fewer are talking about the potential negative ramifications. Yet there’s plenty of evidence suggesting that many people, especially younger generations, are woefully unprepared to handle such an inheritance.
Regardless of whether you’ll be the one passing on wealth or inheriting it, you must have a well-prepared estate plan in place to prevent the potentially disastrous losses and other negative outcomes such transfers can lead to. Without proper planning, the money and other assets that get passed on can easily become more of a problem than a benefit for you and your loved ones.
Proactive planning is the key. There are a number of proactive measures you can take to help reduce the risks posed by the coming wealth transfer. Beyond putting in place a comprehensive estate plan that’s regularly updated, openly discussing your values and their inheritance with your loved ones can be the best way to ensure your estate planning strategies work exactly as you intend. Here’s what we suggest:
Create your own estate plan. If you haven’t created your own estate plan yet—and far too many of you haven’t—it’s essential that you put a plan in place as soon as possible. It doesn’t matter how young you are, how much wealth you have, or if you have any children yet—all adults over age 18 should have some basic estate planning tools in place.
Talk about wealth with your family early and often. Don’t put off talking about wealth with your family until you are in retirement or nearing death. As soon as possible, clearly communicate with your children, grandchildren, and other heirs what wealth means to you and how you’d like them to use the assets they inherit. Make discussions a regular event, so you can address different aspects of wealth with your family as the younger generations grow and mature.
When you do have conversations with your loved ones, focus discussions on the values you want to instill, rather than what and how much they can expect to inherit. Let them know what values are most important to you and try to mirror those values in your family life as much as possible. Whether it’s saving money, charitable giving, or community service, having your loved ones see you live your most important values is often the best way to ensure they carry those values on once you are no longer around.
Discuss your wealth’s purpose. You should also discuss the specific purpose you want your wealth to serve in your loved ones’ lives. You worked hard to build your family wealth, so you’ve more than earned the right to stipulate how it gets used and managed when you’re gone. While you can add specific terms and conditions for your wealth’s future use in estate planning vehicles like Trusts, don’t make your loved ones wait until you’re dead to learn how you want their inheritance used.
If you want your wealth to be used to fund your children’s college education, provide the down payment on their first home, or invest for their retirement, tell them so. By discussing how you would like to see their inheritance used while you are still around, you can make certain your loved ones know why you made the estate planning decisions you did. Having these conversations now can greatly reduce future conflict and confusion among your family about what your true wishes really are when you are no longer able to explain your wishes.
We are not like most estate planning lawyers. We will serve as your trusted, provide guidance to help you make a lifetime of wise choices for yourself and those you love most. We are also here to offer your loved ones the support they need to make the most important legal and financial decisions when you are no longer there to guide them. Schedule your Family Estate Planning Session and get started today 718.514.7575.
Monet Binder, ESQ., has her practice in Queens and Brooklyn, New York, dedicated to protecting families, their legacies and values. All halachic documents are approved by the Bais Havaad Halacha Center in Lakewood, under the direction of Rabbi Dovid Grossman and the guidance of Harav Shmuel Kaminetsky, shlita, as well as other leading halachic authorities.
HALB Stem Club
HALB’s After-School STEM Club is a space where students can explore, experiment, and develop a love for STEM! Students in the lower school were challenged to make a structure using toothpicks, pasta, and candy to support the weight of a textbook. They spent time building and revising their strategies based on geometric shapes. All of the students had fun getting creative and using the strategies they learned to accomplish the goal!
Yashar Koach to the Shulamith Sharks on winning both of their basketball games this past week
The children at Shulamith ECC explored different textures and fabrics as they learned about Bigdei Choref
Lechu V’ Nelcha
The past two weeks at Lechu V’Nelcha were filled with inspiration! On the second night of Chanukah, we were privileged to hear from Mrs. Debbie Greenblatt, followed by an inspirational Chanukah kumzitz accompanied by live music. This past week’s shiur, sponsored as a zchus refuah shelaimah for Yeshayahu Dovid ben Chana Matla, was given by Rabbi Shaya Cohen, who gave a not-to-be-forgotten speech about bitachon.
LVN is excited about our upcoming shiurim – this Sunday, January 8, we will be having Mrs. Linda Nathan (8:00 at the Agudah of the Five Towns). The following Monday, January 16, we will be iyH hearing from Rebbetzin Tziporah (Heller) Gottlieb from Eretz Yisrael. Looking forward to greeting you!
HALB Lev Chana Participates in Hidden Sparks
For the past several years, members of the staff of HALB Lev Chana have been participating in the Hidden Sparks Learning Lenses workshops. Hidden Sparks supports teachers as they help meet the needs of their students, who may have diverse learning and behavioral styles and may be struggling. The administration of HALB Lev Chana has been sending two or three teachers to each of the workshops with the goal of having all the teachers trained in this unique program which nurtures the hidden spark in each child.
Congratulations to the HALB Middle School Spelling Bee winners: First Place - Daniel Shayovitz;
Second Place - Rebeca Cunha; and Third Place - Rebecca Broder
Mercaz Academy Pajama Night: The Sequel
Mercaz’s Early Childhood Center enjoyed its second Pajama Night of the school year, with ECC Director Morah Joanne Mlotok and Admissions Director Morah Francie Goldberg welcoming families old and new so they could check out Mercaz Academy after dark. This Pajama Night focused on introducing younger current and potential students to the learning taking place in the Mercaz Academy kindergarten.
ECC students wore their pajamas to the evening event – but no one was ready for bed yet at Mercaz! Nursery Aleph, Nursery Bet, and Kindergarten students and their guests ate a delicious meal of macaroni and cheese or baked ziti and salad and socialized with their friends. The children enjoyed the late-night feel as they played together, exploring rooms that felt a little unfamiliar at night (and with parents in them).
After the meal, kindergarten teacher Morah Batsheva Berger explained that phonological awareness – the ability to recognize and manipulate the spoken parts of sentences and words – has been proven to be a good foundation for future success in reading. Mercaz Academy’s kindergarten students practice their phonological awareness daily, and one of their favorite methods is identifying rhyming words. Morah Batsheva then led students in a rousing game of Rhyming Bingo, announcing a word and displaying an accompanying picture; then the children would look for pictures of things that might rhyme with that word on their bingo cards. Morah Batsheva’s assistant teacher, Morah Dalia Ozarko, read two rhyming stories in Hebrew, Hayom Halavan (The White Day) and Laila Tov! (Good Night!), both by Israeli author Shulamit Tzorfati.
Following these activities, attendees enjoyed a bedtime snack of cookies and went home for bed – under some protest.
